Canberra Lifeline Book Fair booms

The February Canberra Lifeline Book Fair broke records with half a million items on sale, raising vital funds for the crisis helpline.

For months, volunteers have been preparing to host the event, sorting books and records, among other things, into about 20 categories, and then sub-sorting them into about 230 more.

Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie-Ann Leeson said the sorting was done by a team of committed volunteers with knowledge and love of books, and the hall was ”incredibly organised”.

“Each section volunteer knows every book in their section, so you can walk up and ask about specific books,” she said.

“They’re incredibly engaged, it’s very professional and all on the back of volunteers.”

Ms Leeson said this year’s book fair was double the size of any held before. ”It’s the biggest one in history, it will break all the records,” she said. The event is Lifeline Canberra’s biggest fundraiser, and helps them keep the phone lines open for people in crisis.